Published by the Indiana Office of Court Services

School property and religious institutions

The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 295 on school property and religious institutions, authored by Sen. Mrvan. The bill permits a sex offender to enter school property if: (1) a religious institution or house of worship is located on the school property; (2) the person enters the school property for the sole purpose of attending worship services or receiving religious instruction; and (3) classes are not being held.

The bill was amended by consent to provide that the defense only applies when classes are not in session. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council supported the bill and the Indiana Department of Education opposed the bill. The bill passed as amended 7-2.